The Gargano is an imposing promontory in the province of Foggia is basically a mountain range called the "spur of Italy" that stretches for 70 km in the Adriatic Sea, and that gives rise to the Gulf of Manfredonia.
To the east, goes so far as the so-called head of the Gargano, to the west is joined with the Tavoliere, covering a total area of about 2000 km ². Its territory falls National Park of Gargano.
The term "Gargano" comes from "Gargan" ancient Celtic god of Belenos son, Sun God, protector of forests and livestock.
« The Mount Gargano is more varied that you can imagine. He has his heart in the Foresta Umbra, with beeches and oaks that are 50 meters in height and a trunk of an armful of 5 meters, and the age of Methuselah, with pine, maple, yew, with a lush, color The idea that the seasons have on the time of enchanted evening with deer, rabbits, foxes that escape from between his feet, with every warble, whine, chirping of birds... » (Giuseppe Ungaretti)
The Gargano National Park was established by Article 34 of Law No 6 December 1991 394. It covers 118,144 hectares (one of the largest protected areas). They are part of the park the four islands Tremiti (marine reserve).
The municipalities included in its territory are: Apricena Cagnano Varano, Carpino, Ischitella, Tremiti, Hvar, Mattinata, Manfredonia, Monte Sant'Angelo, Peschici, Rignano Garganico, Rhodes Garganico, San Giovanni Rotondo, San Marco in Lamis, San Nicandro Gargano Serracapriola, Vico del Gargano, Vieste. Inside the park is the Umbra Forest.
Flora: Inside there are the most diverse landscapes, from more than 2200 plant species, and extended to the dense forests, high cliffs over the sea to the large karst plateaus, gorges and steep wooded with large coastal lakes. The most important plant formations that can be found are the Turkey oak and beech.
Fauna: The park has a rich fauna. They range from some 170 species of birds, birds of prey such as the common buzzard, kestrel, sparrowhawk, peregrine falcon, the eagle owl, the screech owl, barn owl, the tawny el'assiolo.
Source: Wikipedia
